Food safety

Are grapes and raisins safe for cats?

Updated 2026-07-16 · Not a substitute for professional veterinary care

Treat as an emergency

Short answer

No, and it should be treated as an emergency. Grapes and raisins have caused sudden kidney failure in cats and dogs even in small amounts. The toxic dose is unpredictable, so any ingestion is a reason to call a vet or emergency clinic right away.

Why grapes and raisins are so dangerous

Grapes, raisins, currants, and sultanas have been linked to sudden, severe kidney injury in pets. What makes them frightening is that the reaction is unpredictable: some animals eat them with no effect, others develop kidney failure from a small amount. Because there is no way to know in advance which cat will react, vets treat every ingestion as a potential emergency.

The danger hides in baked goods too, such as raisin bread, cookies, cereal, and trail mix.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting or diarrhoea, often within a few hours
Lethargy and weakness
Loss of appetite
Reduced urination or none at all (a sign the kidneys are failing)
Increased thirst

What to do if your cat ate a grape or raisin

Call a vet or emergency clinic immediately. Early treatment protects the kidneys before damage sets in.
Do not wait to see if signs appear. By the time the kidneys are affected, treatment is much harder.
Tell the vet how many, and roughly when.

When in doubt, call a vet. This guide is general information for cat owners. It is not veterinary advice, and it is not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. If your cat is in distress, contact a veterinarian or your nearest emergency clinic straight away.

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Common questions

How many grapes are toxic to a cat?

There is no known safe amount. The reaction is unpredictable, so any amount is treated as an emergency.

My cat ate one raisin and seems fine. Is that ok?

Call a vet anyway. Early action to protect the kidneys is far more effective than waiting for signs, which may mean damage has already begun.

Sources

This guide draws on the following veterinary references: